I too could use some help on a routine. I work nights and I generally work out in the morning when I get home. This does cut into my sleep. I sleep about 4 hrs. a day the days that I work. I get up again while the kids are napping to try and fit in another exercise routine before they get up. I need to find a healthy way to fit in all that is needed in a days time. I have my two young babies and I love to spend time with them as well. It just seems so hard trying to stay on top of things. Any advice? I have learned a lot in my reading but I sure would like the support of another in this journey of life changing. I really need help with labels and nutrition. If there is anyone out there that can help me shoot me an email. Thanks and good luck on your journey!!!

Wow let me just say conrgrats on being a nurse! That is a very difficult job to do and you changing your shift around and working 12 hour shifts?! I can see why you are having trouble trying to stay consistant with meals and exercise. I am currently a stay at home mom right now but I am going to try and get into a CNA position here in the next couple months. I have taken online classes for Health Care Administrations but unfortunately the local college does not offer classes in thsi field so I have to either start over or continue education online. The only reason I am staying home is because I am getting unemployment benefits or else I would so be working. Anyway I was trying to think of some ideas that you could do for meals for you and your family and I read a lot about people making meals ahead of time and freezing them for later in the week. You could also make out some sort of meal plan that you hang up on the fridge stating what you would like for the kids to eat for that day like healthy snacks and what not. My boyfriend works night shift and I have started doing the whole healthy thing this week and he always talks about needing to work out and lose some of his winter weight but he does not eat very well either. He does not like veggies either. He is a meat and pizza guy, lol. :) I was eating like that too but I have got to change or I am going to get so big that I won't be able to do anything. I also am trying to teach my kids better eating habits as well. Since your kids are older you make be able to delegate some of the healthy eating responsibility to the two older children. I know that is a big deal cause when I was a kid all I did was eat junk food and my parents ALWAYS had junk food in the house. Now when I got over there and I see all the sweets and chips that they have its no wonder I have always had a weight problem! If you have healthy yummy snacks around the house and not so much junk food maybe they will grab the healthy snacks instead. I hope I helped some what but mostly I wanted to give ya some praise on being a nurse! Hope everything ends up working out for you! Sorry my message is sooo lllooonnnggg... :)

Hey thanks so much for the suggestions. I think that if I really try and write a couple different routines down for day and night days it could really help me figure out a way to stay on top of my eating and exercise. As far as my husband, well he tries to eat well occasionally but he isn't a big fan of veggies and he takes the kids out...I think...sometimes to avoid eating foods he knows he should be eating. I know we will eventually work out a happy compromise. Thanks

Wow....this is a toughy for me. Let's see if I can offer anything helpful :) First on the routines for you.....try writing down different schedule based on if you are working days or nights. Maybe make a couple different ones and try each one out for a week to see which is the best fit. For me, when I am making a change, having something written down to follow helps. As far as the meals for the kids......have a heart to heart with your hubby and let him know that it is important to you that the kids are eating more healthy. And not only the kids, but him too :) Maybe you can find a compromise where he only takes them out once or twice a week. I hope this help.....even if it's just a little :)

I am a registered nurse that currently works 12-hour shifts. The shifts rotate from day to night every 2 weeks. My 12-hour shifts regularly turn into 15-hours with last minute patient needs and my commute. I have 3 wonderful children aged 13, 10 and 5 years old. I am having a difficult time being consistent with meals, sleep and exercise. I guess I am looking for some advice on how to get into a routine that will work. I also worry about the kids and their nutrition because my husband never cooks and takes them out a lot, even when I have prepared something for dinner.

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